REVOLUTION GROSSES THE ADRIATIC 47
meanwhile, by declaring martial law in the town, he
anticipated possible opposition. Ten days before the
elections he published an edict to the effect that Fiume was
c a war-time stronghold ', that military law would be
enforced against c anyone professing sentiments hostile to
the cause of Fiume' and that the death penalty would be
promptly inflicted upon the guilty. On the other hand,
in spite of his declaration that he did not recognize the
Nitti government, he permitted himself to treat with it.
Admiral Cagni, General Badoglio, in command of the
blockading troops, the Duke of Aosta, who was always on
the look-out for a surprise attack, and members of
d'Annunzio's own circle, such as his secretary Giurati and
Major Rizzo, all intervened or rushed backwards and
forwards between Rome and Fiume,
Nitti never intended drastic intervention, and he saw to
the provisioning of the town by means of the Red Cross.
In point of fact he was not averse to acquiring, thanks to
d'Annunzio, a bargaining point to use in his discussions
with the Allies about Fiume, while on the other hand he
feared the unpopularity in which a e strong man' policy
would involve him. D'Annunzio remained obstinate, and
proceeded in an Italian warship to Zara, where he obtained
a promise from Admiral Millo, the governor of Dalmatia,
not to evacuate that region in any circumstances whatsoever.
Since the National Council of Fiume announced itself
unanimously and unreservedly in favour of an accord with
the Rome government, d'Annunzio decided to try for a
plebiscite in his favour. But on the evening of December 18,
after the voting had taken place, he realized that the result
would be unfavourable, and stopped the count. Three
days later he broke off all negotiations, and several of his
supporters, including his secretary, his press agent, Pedrazzi,
and Major Rizzo, deserted him. Immediately after his
departure, Pedrazzi published in an Italian newspaper on
December 24 a picture of the situation which is worth
preserving :
£ At d'Annunzio's side there stand only brave young
officers, decorated or wounded, bold and enthusiastic^